Trainee journalist blogging about anything and everything from politics to prada.

Sunday, 7 September 2014

Seven things you must do when visiting Ibiza

I know this blog post is a little late coming (I’ve been
back in England over a month), but after I received so many compliments about
my photos that I took in Ibiza this year, I felt it a necessity.

Lots of people see Ibiza and think parties, clubs and
drug/boozed fuelled nights. Yes, those words are synonymous with parts of the
island, but in this blog post I wanted to share the other side of Ibiza. The
alternative Ibiza that I like to call my second home.

So, here are my top seven things to do you must do when on
the White Isle, and not one of the mentions going to a club.

1.Climb up the old town

In Ibiza’s main town (Eivissa) is a traditional and
beautiful cathedral on top of a rather steep hill lined with quaint streets,
shops and even Spanish houses.

It’s a steep and longish walk up to the top, but well worth
the effort you have to put in. You can take several different routes, but be
sure to stop and admire the views. The best time to climb up is just before
sunset for a cooler temperature and the best light for photographs.

2.Visit Formentera

Take a boat to the island just off Ibiza called Formentera
for awe inspiring beaches and crystal clear water. I’ve never been to the Caribbean,
but Formentera’s beaches must rival them.

It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to travel to Formentera
by boat, and is well worth the cost. However, if you take the time to shop
around a little you can often get a good deal.

We went with Aqua Bus which takes a little longer than the
quick ferries, but is much cheaper and you get a great ride on a boat with
fantastic views and amazing photo opportunities.

As for when you’re there, hire bikes for around 5 euros
each. The nearest beach is an easy 20 minute bike ride away and has places to
leave your bike. And you get to see much more of the island than you would in a
car, on a bus or in a taxi.

3.Don’t be afraid of the back streets

Most of the time the best places aren’t on the touristy
strips. The back streets, particularly in Ibiza town offer a little more
culture and far more interesting shops.

I find the back streets in Santa Eulalia particularly nice,
as I find the main front can get a little touristy and busy.

Even in San Antonio this is the case. Carry on walking along
the sea front past the sunset strip and you’ll stumble across a lovely ice
cream parlour serving the best ice cream.

4.Don’t stick to the main beaches

Ibiza has so many beautiful beaches that you wouldn’t be
doing the island justice if you just went and visited one.

Sometimes the beaches that require a little more effort to
reach are the best. One of my favourites, Cala Salada, near San Antonio
requires a treacherous walk over the cliff face (or a short swim) to reach the
best part of the beach… but it is well worth it.

5.Watch the sunset at Es Vedra

There is something strangely captivating and powerful about
Es Vedra, and the sunsets are something else.

You have to walk a little to reach a small area where you
can sit and watch the sun go down around mesmerising views, and amazing photos.

6.Visit Ses Salines and watch the sunset over
the salt flats

Ses Salines is a short drive away from Playa Den Bossa and
by far one of the best beaches on the island.

With crystal clear waters and white soft sand it’s a beach
you can visit time and time again without getting bored.

It is also definitely worth taking a walk to the fort a
short walk off the beach marking the most southern part of the island.

Take sandwiches and stay late on the beach before heading back and pulling in to a layby to watch the most gorgeous sunsets over the salt flats

7.Act like a local, not a tourist

Get in to the spirit of things, learn a bit of Spanish and
be adventurous. One of the best experiences I had this holiday were those off
the cuff that you wouldn’t do as a normal tourist.

For example stopping at the local orangery and trying
freshly squeezed orange juice or even nipping to the local supermarket. It
gives you an outlook into the culture and makes you appreciate the island even
more.

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NTU Print Journalism student who never misses a photo opportunity. All views are my own. Follow @efoakden on twitter. If you have any enquiries about my blog or content then please email me at emilyflorenceoakden@gmail.com